Miami Dade College Students Scheduled to Perform with the South Florida Youth Symphony

The trio eagerly anticipats the SFYS's Winter Concert

Miami, November 16, 2009 -
For the very first time in Miami Dade College’s (MDC) history, two of the college’s youngest musician’s have been invited to perform as guitar soloists during the South FloridaYouth Symphony (SFYS) Winter Concert on Sunday, Dec.13, at 3 p.m., at Florida Memorial University.

The students are enrolled in the class of veteran guitar instructor Juan Carlos Vera, a class offered within the Kendall Campus’ School of Community Education. Eleven year-old Kevin Huang and 14 year-old Christian Monteverde will perform Antonio Vivaldi's “Concerto in D” for guitar and orchestra in an unprecedented concert appearance. The work that will be performed is a concert level composition and a favorite among professional guitarists.

“Juan Carlos Vera is a very fine teacher who is passionate about everything he does and his students are by products of that,” says Rodester Brandon, chairman, Music, Theater and Dance Department.

Christian Monteverde began to play the classic guitar at age 9. At 12 he made his cable television debut, appearing on Cable Tap’s MD Connected broadcast throughout the South Florida region. His performance included Francisco Tarrega’s legendary composition “Recuerdosde la Alhambra” (“Memories of the Alhambra”), a work of considerable difficulty. This was followed a year later with additional televised recordings on “Art Attacks”, a locally produced cable series showcasing emerging artists. Christian’s prodigious technical skills allow him to explore a variety of repertoire, ranging from Baroque masterpieces to modern works with orchestra. His appearance as guest soloist with the distinguished SFYS naturally culminates an impressive array of achievements for this young gifted musician.

Inspired by his father’s laborious attempts, Kevin Huang picked up his guitar at age 10. His 11th birthday greeted him with a performance under the bright lights at MDC TV’s studio where he played Agustin Barrios’ “La Ultima Canción” (“The Last Song”). Kevin is scheduled to appear as guest artist at the end-of-term student recital at MDC’s Kendall Campus in collaboration with the talented Maria Borges at the piano.

“This upcoming performance illustrates the point that a career in music has to be built by a long list of impressive accomplishments in the real world not just by playing very well. Both Chris and Kevin are already veterans in this sense. Despite their young age, these two kids ranked among the top classic guitar students we've ever had at MDC. When students sign up for guitar lessons at Community Education, the sky is the limit,” says Vera.

Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Miami Dade College.
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin,
disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or genetic information. Contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs/ADA Coordinator, at 305.237.2577 for information.